Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Kudos Diane Sawyer/ABC for that Remarkable Gabby Giffords/Mark Kelly Interview


Did anyone else watch the remarkable Gabby Giffords/Mark Kelly interview with the ageless Diane Sawyer on ABC last night? Talk about determination, teamwork and a true commitment to marriage vows. If you didn't see the piece, do yourself a favor and take the time. It will inspire you, touch your heart and make you reassess your own life challenges and goals.

I hope that Gabby Giffords continues to make great gains in her recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). I think she and her terrific spouse, Mark Kelly (and I do mean terrific), would make a great future First Couple.

I was also thrilled to see the role played by music therapy in Gabby Giffords' recovery recognized. We witness the magic of that remarkable, life-changing profession at RicStar's Camp each year. I'm a big believer in the power of music therapy to change the lives of those with special needs.

All in all, viewing time well spent.

Watch the episode here.

Order their book, A Story of Courage and Hope, here.

Photo Judy Winter 2011

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Sunday, November 13, 2011

Proud to be a Spartan




Okay, the Michigan State University Spartans didn't win the first-ever Carrier Classic against the North Carolina Tar Heels last Friday night. But as a Spartan fan, could you have felt any prouder being Green than while seeing Coach Izzo right in the center frame with the President and Mrs. Obama standing in front of him, and then hearing the Pres. call both Izzo and our team one of the best in the country?

And how about seeing that great Spartan Magic Johnson right in the thick of it (and giving $1 million to MSU!!!), or knowing that Spartan leader Mark Hollis started it all in motion? And what about seeing the troops and all the terrific program production that captured the reason for the evening so dramatically, and then watching our team give their jerseys to the troops at the evening's end?

What a wonderful night to be a Spartan, and a much-needed example for a weary world. Class Act.

Sometimes, it's easy being Green.

Photos Judy Winter 2011

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Saturday, November 12, 2011

Lives Worth Living- Day 10





Lashawna raises her voice in song, and RicStar's Camp gives her that well-deserved opportunity.





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The Marmalade Gypsy & Lessons from a Chronic Disease


Jeanie Croope and I have been best buddies for nearly three decades. My friend, who's more like a sister, is incredibly smart, funny, caring, generous and talented.

Jeanie also has a chronic disease that proves challenging to her on a daily basis, and to those around her, including those who love her most. She's just posted some honest, emotional words about her medical challenges on her popular blog the The Marmalade Gypsy in the hope it will help others better understand chronic illness and those who live with it daily. I'm sharing the link here because I believe her words can also help families with special needs, challenged 24/7 by a variety of tough moments.

Read Lessons from a Chronic Disease here, and then consider passing it on to those you believe could benefit.

Thanks, Jeanie, for starting an important conversation.

I've got your back.

Photo Judy Winter 2011

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Media Alert! -NY TImes & Bound by Love and Disability





A beautiful love story about a couple first brought together by disability.

Read Bound by Love and Disability, and Keeping a Vow Until the End, here.
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Friday, November 11, 2011

Veteran's Day 2011 -Thanks, dad.

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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Breakthrough Parenting Sales Hopping on Amazon.com






I love it when my book, and other parenting books, are best sellers in Home Repair on amazon.com. I never quite understand it, but I'll take it and thank the publishing gods.

Judy Winter
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Therapy Dog Jack Makes Lots of New Friends



Jack now has 400+ new school buddies, and they have a new best friend and claim to their own school dog. The therapy dog magic has already begun.

Who said education can't be fun.

Amazing animals.


Photo of TDI dog, Jack, by Judy Winter 2011
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Worth Repeating-Join the Anti Bullying Campaign


A few years back, I wrote a major feature on bullying for the Lansing State Journal before it became a hot topic. What amazed me then, maybe even more than the courage of the students who spoke out honestly for the article, were the adults who said to me after reading the piece, 'these kids need to get a thicker skin.' I've never forgotten that.

Today, bullying is still a subject dear to my heart, in large part because kids with special needs are at increased risk for such unwelcome comments and actions because of their differences. We can and must change this mean-spirited, ugly and deadly culture. It takes all of our voices to impact the needed change. No child should be subjected to such treatment in our school hallways, online or at home.

Please, take a moment and add your voice here and helps change a child's life. Talk to your children and let them know in no uncertain terms that bullying is not okay. Peer behavior and leadership is huge part of the solution to this problem, but adults must set the example.

I repeat what I wrote in an earlier post today. Silence changes nothing.

Let's get loud.

Courtesy logo
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Winter Ramblings Blog a Favorite of CVS Caremark- All Kids Can


Thanks for including me as one of your favorite special needs blogs, CVS Caremark! That's in addition to already including me as one of your expert voices for the CVS Caremark All Kids Can initiative on Facebook, part of a five-year, $25 million commitment to making life easier for children with disabilities. Kudos to CVS for their strong commitment to this often underserved population and for their invaluable mission of "creating opportunities for children of all abilities."

You like me, and I like what you're doing, too.

You can find my Tips for Professionals Working with Special Needs Families, here.

Keep checking back. More CVS posts to come.
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Lives Worth Living- Day 9








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Good News! -The X Factor's Rachel Crow's Got My Vote


I'm a sucker for any story about a child overcoming the odds, especially when they are huge with talent and personality like Rachel Crow. The adorable, and she is adorable, 13-year-old X Factor contestant reportedly had a tough start to life, including as a crack baby. Fortunately, Rachel was adopted out of a bad situation into a better life while still an infant. The young teen is a little spitfire, in a really good way. I love her.

She's got my vote.

Read the story and watch Rachel in action here.

Photo Jenna Winter 2011

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Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Dr. Weil Talks His Own Depression on Dr. Oz Show


This is worth sharing. For those of you challenged by depression, or those who care about someone who is, this is for you. Dr. Andrew Weil was on the Dr. Oz Show today speaking for the first time about his own life-long challenges with depression. Weil shared a 4-Week Happiness Plan that included what many people can do with diet, supplements, and nature's antidepressants to improve their mood (for mild to moderate depression), sometimes dramatically. The information is part of his new book Spontaneous Happiness.

Weil cites that the numbers of people with depression and on medication, including children, are staggering and continue to grow. Yet, as a society, we often aren't comfortable talking about mental health issues in part, because of shame and misinformation. That's why I'm sharing this post with you today.

Here's hoping Dr. Weil's discussion helps create greater awareness of this important subject that impacts so many people. Kudos to Dr. Weil and Dr. Oz for putting the discussion center stage, where it belongs.

That will help change lives.

Photo Judy Winter 2011
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Book Review -Come to the Edge by Christina Haag



Most of us have read books that leave us wanting more when we've turned the last page. 'Come to the Edge' by Christina Haag is such a book. Throughout its pages, the actress skillfully chronicles her life, which includes a passionate five-year love affair with John F. Kennedy, Jr., and a diagnosis of breast cancer at age forty four.

I agree with some reviewers that have taken the author to task for jumping around a bit too much, making it challenging at times to follow the storyline. But the writing is stellar and Haag offers the curious a fascinating, always respectful glimpse into the Kennedy's privileged world without turning tabloid. She captures 'John John's' unending, contagious and sometimes dangerous zest for life, and the excruciating pain of her own great loss. The result is a beautiful, haunting and tragic love story, and a great read.

One only the author could tell.

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Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs 2011


Since all those festive commercials seem to be in full force already, I've decided to post my annual holiday tips early, too. My hope is that the tips that are part of Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs help make your celebrations a bit more joyful, no matter what traditions you honor. Feel free to share these tips, but please credit JudyWinter.com/2011. All rights reserved.
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Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs 2011:

-Interact with family members with special needs, and encourage others to do the same. If the child uses a wheelchair, kneel to eye level and address the child directly. Allow other kids in the family to buddy up and assist the child with special needs in hanging ornaments, frosting cookies, setting the table, or passing out presents. Help that child participate whenever possible, while teaching other kids in the family valuable, lasting life lessons.

-Practice forgiveness whenever possible. Most family members don’t intentionally set out to exclude children with special needs. They often require education, support and positive examples to bring them up to speed. By focusing on creative solutions, families can help realize holiday magic for kids with special needs, too— and that’s in keeping with the spirit of the season.

-Buy age/skill-level appropriate gifts for the child with special needs. Regardless of how well intentioned, inappropriate gift selection for children with special needs hurts. When in doubt, ask parents for gift ideas, or obtain a copy of the child’s holiday wish list. Reserve baby toys (and baby talk) for babies! Key Note: Toys 'r Us offers an annual Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids, 'a toy selection guide 'for parents and friends of children with disabilities,’ to ensure the holiday toy wishes of kids with special needs come true, too. The 2011 guide with Eva Longoria on the cover can be downloaded here: Toys R Us.

-Communicate! Don't assume others can read your mind. They can't. Instead, arrange family meetings to discuss your child’s needs and how to best address them. Provide needed training and brainstorm ways to include the child with special needs in family activities. For example, if a he/she uses a wheelchair, address accessibility issues and plan activities in locations that don’t involve stairs. Speak up now to help prevent bigger misunderstandings and hurt feelings later on. Family members, you can reach out and initiate problem solving, too. Our children are always worth our best efforts, and your support to these families is priceless.

-Redefine your expectations. Throw all those visions of a perfect Hallmark family holiday right out the garland-draped window! Instead, ask what memories you want to create for all of your children. Having a child with special needs does not mean you must forgo memorable and fun holiday moments and traditions. Think creatively! It's worth the effort.

-Inclusion is the name of the game! Kids with special needs are children first, with big dreams and long holiday wish lists, just like other kids. Whenever possible, include the child in holiday festivities and activities like tree trimming, baking cookies, shopping for gifts, and attending church services (use the cry room if needed). Include that child in family holiday photos and videos, too.

-Address food allergies and noise/touch sensitivities and make allowances for them. The seasonal bounty this time of year can result in overload for many children, especially those with sensory, auditory and food issues. Kids with food allergies may not be able to eat all the traditional goodies most of us eagerly gobble up. Discuss alternative choices and inform family members about any life-threatening food allergies so they don’t offer the offending food to the child.

Wishing you the happiest of Holidays!

Photo Judy Winter 2011

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Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Lives Worth Living- Day 8






The always enthusiastic Jenna, with RicStar's Camp volunteer, Emily.





Photo Judy Winter 2011

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Vote for J.R. Martinez on Dancing with the Stars!


From my friend, Gail Williamson of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA) and Heart and Halo Talent:

"I attended the Tri Union (SAG, AFTRA, Equity) Diversity Awards last night at the Nate Holden Theatre. J.R. Martinez was one of the honorees. A lovely man who came right over to accept his award after getting a perfect score for his dance on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. J.R. has the stuff, but not the fan base to vote for him like some of the better known dancers who aren't as good. It's time for those of us who support diversity in the media to step up and help a guy out. Next Monday night, vote on every phone you have for him. Tell your friends to vote for him."

My words: I don't believe you should vote in diversity in a contest or life where it is not earned or deserved. But in this case, not only is J.R. Martinez an amazing, spirited and gifted man and a great example of ability to others, but I think he's the best dancer, too. And wasn't that the initial premise of this show anyway?????

Read J.R.'s inspiring story here.

Then please, vote.

Courtesy photo.
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Jack's New Therapy Dog Gig


Today is Jack's first day of elementary school as a Therapy Dog. I know this former shelter dog is going to generate lots of smiles and giggles in the classrooms and hallways, and petting is absolutely guaranteed.

Hopefully, this gentle and charming canine will have positive impact on student behavior, self esteem and their reading, writing and arithmetic. No doubt, at least one student will ask 'what happened to his tail?' (It's the breed). Lucky me, I get to go with him and join in all the magic.

Who said school isn't fun? Wish us luck!

You, too, can change someone's life by volunteering. There's no shortage of need.

Photo Judy Winter 2011
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Monday, November 07, 2011

Media Alert! -Pres. Obama Names Lauren Potter of Glee to President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities




According to news on Disability Scoop, actress Lauren Potter has been tapped by President Obama to be part of the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Potter, 21, is one of the stars of the hit FOX program Glee. She has also added her voice to the campaign to end use of the word retarded in everyday language. The talented young actress and activist has Down syndrome.

Read the news here, and cheer along with me.

Focused on ability.

Image courtesy of IMDb

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Lives Worth Living- Day 7



















My good buddy, Dan Saur, and his terrific family, Chuck, Sue and Nick.

Photo Judy Winter 2011
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